London, June 7 (ANI): Apple has been accused of using its influence to secure preferential treatment from mobile operators wanting to offer the iPhone, a former senior executive at a major European operator has said.

By doing so, Apple squeezed out competition from rival brands.

The Guardian has been given a detailed description of an alleged three-year contract between Apple and the operator.

The source said some colleagues had concerns about the legality of the contract, but that these were kept aside because his company decided it needed access to Apple's bestselling device, the report said.

According to the report, the revelations come as the European commission considers whether to take action over Apple's contracts with operators.

It is claimed Apple used the contract in question to state the maximum price a consumer should pay.

The retail price was less than the operator paid to acquire the iPhone, and the difference was to be met by a subsidy from the operator. (ANI)

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